before & after: fireplace transformation

As a renter, it’s so easy to forget that many people are taking steps to actively and dramatically alter the environment they live in. I love being reminded of this fact, and I’m definitely storing inspiration for when I live in a place where I can be a bit more hands on. I can’t wait! When Alice and her husband recently decided to renovate their apartment, the one thing they knew had to go was this 80s brick fireplace tucked into the corner. In addition to opening up the space — so that the fireplace could reside in the center of a more open, airy room — they managed to snag the new mantel after spotting it in a flower shop and inquiring if it was for sale. It was, and the rest is history. The hand-carved details on the new fireplace look lovely in bright white, and the new layout feels like a breath of fresh air. Great work, Alice! — Kate

Have a Before & After you’d like to share? Shoot me an email with your images right here! (Low res, under 500k per image, please.)

Read more about how Alice achieved such a drastic fireplace transformation after the jump!

Time: 2 weeks

Cost: $1500

Basic Steps: Together we designed the entire renovation of our home, and like everything else, it evolved. That brick clunker had to go, and fast! We didn’t even consider painting it white or trying to save it. The house was built in 1890, so there must have been a classy fireplace there at one point. When we found the mantel, we discussed painting it gray, stripping it etc. . . . but eventually decided on simple, clean and white. Since it’s a working fireplace, we knew we’d be spending many long winter days and nights in front of it with friends and family. We wanted something pretty to look at year round, something that would make sense in 100 years, something elegant. Anything was going to be better than the banged up 80s brick beast. Now it has room to breathe on both sides.

Our advice: Take exact measurements and do some sketches or photo mock-ups before committing 100%. We must have looked at and researched hundreds of reclaimed, salvaged, antique, cast iron, wood, you-name-it mantels and stoves before finding the one we loved. Do not attempt to do this without the help of someone (professional) who knows how to a) demolish an existing fireplace without damaging any of the good, working parts; and b) properly and securely attach a new mantel. — Alice

Love it! The mirror is a great touch. I like the black, white and gold and the crisp white juxtaposed against the rustic floor and brick. I hope we get to see more of your renovations on future before + afters!

Love the new look!! What a difference! However, I’m a little concerned about fire hazard. Is it a wood mantel? If so usually there needs to be at least a 6″-12″ non combustable surface (eg: tile, stone, brick) surrounding the opening to the fire. If the flat part touching the opening to the fire is wood in this photo, I would not be lighting real fires in it. If it a cast faux stone then it’s ok.

Hi Wendy — the floors were sanded and treated with a flat-finish poly. That’s pretty much it. They looked really dark before, when they had been treated with high gloss. We basically wanted them to feel like raw wood, but they have just enough protection against stains.

Louisa — no need to worry about a fire hazard. There is a 3/4″ steel sheet attached to about 5″ of concrete binder below the mantel. We had it inspected, and many fires all through last winter … it’s sound. There is such a strong updraft from the flue that the fire always stays to the back of the box.

This fireplace has got to be one of my all time favorite transformations. It is so lovely after the make over, you would think it was original long after the house has new owners. What a great project to make an ordinary 1980’s fireplace into a classic elegant fireplace. They are fortunate that they were able to expand on the left side of the fireplace, what an improvement! Love It!!!

It’s great to see the images of all the in-between stages as well as the final result -it’s easy to underestimate the hassle and mess involved with replacing a fire surround. And just look at how the fireplace changes the character of the room!

Great end result. Any ideas about where to look for salvaged mantels? We are in eastern MA and have not come across a good one for our 1880s home. We have an awful, painted brick mantel that looks a lot like your “before.”

P.S. The Benjamin Moore trim color must be White Dove, as Dove White does not exist.

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